Singapore is one of the world's top destinations for business incorporation due to its ease of doing business, strategic location, and business-friendly environment. If you're an entrepreneur looking to expand into Asia, Singapore provides the ideal platform, offering low taxes, a skilled workforce, and easy access to international markets. In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the company registration process.
Swiftly Takeaways
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Quick Company Registration: Setting up a company in Singapore involves selecting a business structure, reserving your company name, submitting documents, and receiving approval from ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority).
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Foreigners Can Incorporate: Foreign nationals can register a business in Singapore without relocating, making it a popular option for global entrepreneurs.
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Timeline: The entire process can take as little as 1-3 days if all documents are in order.
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Our Services: Swiftly offers a hassle-free incorporation service, including name checks, document preparation, and post-incorporation support, with several packages to choose from.
Why Set Up a Business in Singapore?
Singapore is a hub for entrepreneurs looking to expand in Asia and beyond. It offers:
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Business-Friendly Environment: Low tax rates, simple registration procedures, and access to international markets.
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Stable Economy: Singapore is politically stable and economically robust, making it an attractive option for foreign investors.
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Access to Funding and Talent: A thriving ecosystem of venture capital and highly skilled professionals.
Many foreign entrepreneurs choose Singapore because they can incorporate their business without being physically present, and it offers a strong legal framework for protecting business interests.
Key Requirements for Company Incorporation
Before you register a company in Singapore, make sure you meet these key requirements:
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At Least One Local Director: You must appoint at least one local director who is a Singapore citizen, permanent resident, or EntrePass holder.
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Minimum One Shareholder: Your company must have at least one shareholder, which can be an individual or a corporate entity, either local or foreign.
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Registered Local Address in Singapore: A valid Singapore address is required as the company’s registered office (P.O. boxes are not allowed)
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Appoint a Company Secretary: Every Singapore company must appoint a qualified company secretary within 6 months of incorporation.
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Minimum Paid-Up Capital: Starting a company in Singapore requires only S$1 in paid-up capital.
Step 1: Decide on Your Business Structure
Choosing the right business structure is the first step in the registration process. In Singapore, the most common business structures are:
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Private Limited Company (Pte Ltd) – The most popular choice for foreign investors and entrepreneurs due to limited liability and tax benefits.
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Sole Proprietorship – Ideal for single-owner businesses where the owner is personally liable for all debts.
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Partnership – A business run by two or more partners with shared responsibilities and liabilities.
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Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – Combines the flexibility of a partnership with limited liability protection.
Why is This Important?
Each structure has its own advantages, tax implications, and legal requirements. Depending on the nature of your business, you’ll need to choose the right one.
Step 2: Choose and Reserve Your Company Name
Before registering a company in Singapore, you’ll need to pick a unique company name. The company name must be approved by ACRA and must not be identical or too similar to any existing business names.
To speed things up, use Swiftly’s free Company Name Checker. It’s a quick and easy way to see if your preferred name is available—no guesswork needed.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents for Registration
Once you’ve chosen your business structure and reserved your company name, the next step is submitting the required documents — such as your Company Constitution, director and shareholder details, registered address, and ID proofs.
This is where Swiftly makes the process seamless and hassle-free. With our online incorporation service, you can:
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Fill in your company details through our intuitive online form.
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Generate all required documents in seconds with our automated system.
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E-sign your documents easily without the need for physical paperwork.
After you've e-signed the documents, Swiftly handles the rest. We submit your application directly to the ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority) through the BizFile+ system on your behalf.
Step 4: Receive Your Business Registration Certificate
Once ACRA reviews and approves your documents, you’ll receive a Certificate of Incorporation. This means your company is officially registered and you can start conducting business in Singapore.
How Long Does This Take?
The entire process can be completed in as little as 1 to 3 days if all your documents are correct and ACRA’s approval is swift.
Timeline of the Company Registration Process
| Step | Time Frame | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Business Structure Selection | < 1 day | Decide on the type of business structure (e.g. Private Limited, Sole Proprietorship, etc.). |
| Company Name Reservation | 1-2 hours | Select and reserve your company name. It must be unique and approved by ACRA. |
| Document Submission | 5 Minutes or Less | Gather all required documents and submit via Swiftly's online platform within minutes. |
| Incorporation Certificate | 1-3 business days | Receive your certificate from ACRA. |
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Company in Singapore
| Item | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| ACRA Registration Fee | $315 |
| Company Secretary (annual) | From $300/year |
| Registered Address | From $200/year |
| Incorporation Package | From $550 |
Swiftly’s packages are designed to give you clarity and convenience. No hidden fees, just straight-up solutions. Compare incorporation packages now.
Step 5: Post-Incorporation Tasks
Once your Certificate of Incorporation is issued, you'll need to complete several post-incorporation tasks to ensure your business is fully operational and compliant with Singaporean laws.
Opening a Corporate Bank Account
Setting up a corporate bank account is crucial for managing business finances and meeting regulatory requirements. Most banks will require documents like your Certificate of Incorporation and company constitution.
Registering for Taxes - For companies, they need to compute and submit their taxes before filing taxes.
After incorporation, your company must file taxes annually with IRAS before the filing deadlines. You must submit the Estimated Chargeable Income (ECI) within 3 months of your financial year-end, unless your company qualifies for an ECI exemption. If your company’s turnover exceeds SGD 1 million, you are also required to register for GST.
Complying with Local Labor Laws
Ensure that all employees have written employment contracts that comply with Singapore's labor laws. For local employees, you are required to make CPF contributions, while foreign employees must hold valid work passes. It is also important to comply with statutory leave and other employment entitlements.
Appointing a Company Secretary
You must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation. This individual ensures compliance with corporate regulations and maintains your company's statutory records.
Setting Up Statutory Registers
Maintain and update statutory registers to record important company details, such as directors and shareholders. These records must be available for inspection by authorities.
Acquiring Necessary Business Licenses
Depending on your business type, you may need specific licenses. Applying for the necessary permits ensures you can operate legally and avoid penalties.
Want a full post-incorporation checklist?
Read: What to Do After Incorporation in Singapore
Need help understanding ongoing filing obligations?
Read: All About Filing Requirements with ACRA and IRAS
Why Choose Swiftly for Your Incorporation Needs
Choosing Swiftly for your incorporation needs means opting for a seamless, fully digital experience. Our platform automates the entire process—from document generation to e-signing—allowing you to incorporate your company in minutes. With transparent pricing and a suite of services including company secretary, nominee director, and accounting & tax, Swiftly is your trusted partner for hassle-free business setup in Singapore.
FAQs
1. Can a foreigner incorporate a company in Singapore without relocating?
Yes, foreigners can incorporate a company in Singapore without physically relocating. Singapore’s business environment is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs, and the entire registration process can be completed online.
2. Can I set up a business without registering in Singapore?
No, operating a business in Singapore without proper registration is illegal. However, you can set up a business remotely by incorporating a company with the help of services like Swiftly.
3. Is there a minimum capital requirement to incorporate a business in Singapore?
The minimum capital requirement for a Private Limited Company is S$1. However, depending on your business type, you may need additional capital.
4. How long does it take to register a company in Singapore?
The entire process can take as little as 1-3 days if all your documents are in order.
5. Do I need a local director for company incorporation?
Yes, one of the directors must be a Singaporean citizen, permanent resident, or a resident Employment Pass holder. Swiftly offers Nominee Director services to help with this.
6. Can I operate my business immediately after incorporation?
Yes, you can begin operating your business as soon as you receive your Notice of Incorporation, but remember to complete any post-incorporation steps, like opening a bank account and registering for taxes.
